Threat of pillow smothering leads to arrest

Rockland — A 20-year-old Rockland man, accused of threatening to smother a female victim with a pillow, will remain in jail on a probation violation hold.

Brandon Carleton did not enter a plea at his initial court appearance June 16 in Sixth District Court as he is facing felony charges of domestic violence assault and terrorizing. A cash bail was set at $2,500 on the new charges, but since he is accused of violating terms of probation, he will remain in custody.

Carleton was convicted of domestic violence assault in March 2013.

Carleton was arrested for grabbing the victim's face with his hands and motioning with a pillow while telling her he was going to smother her in her sleep. He then slapped her, according to an affidavit filed in Knox County Superior Court.

The victim told police she responded by slapping him back, and added she has received threatening text messages from Carleton since the attack. She said during the last month, she has suffered both physical and verbal abuse from Carleton.

When interviewed by police, Carleton told Rockland Police Officer Scott Solorzano he did slap the victim, but that it was playful, and they were joking around. He said they were playing what they called a punching game, something they have done before.

Carleton was ordered by Judge Susan Sparaco not to have contact with the victim and not to possess dangerous weapons.